Season 3 Episode 13: Ten Sessions Discussion
Well it finally happened. The Britney Spears episode. While I found her to be mediocre; a much needed return of Romantic Ted, not one but two appearances of Charlene Amoia, and the hilarious twosome of Barney and Robin—complete with an allusion to whether or not they’ve hooked up—this episode has it all. I think it is one of the best this season.
What Was Good
Where to begin? First, Sarah Chalke. I’ve always loved her awkward charm on Scrubs and she brought that here (in a very similar role) without it seeming like Eliot Reed was on screen. “The last two minute date I had gave me a daughter”—she was a character that was easy to fall in love with. Plus, she looks damn good in a lab coat. Fun trivia: the lab coat she used here is the same she uses on Scrubs, she brought it with her to the set since it’s tailored for her.
Robin. This is how I like Robin best—lambasting everyone else from the balcony. She also was looking good with her fancy movie star hair. Cobie Smulders does this role so well that in the same episode she can make a fool of herself and still make fun of everyone else. The funniest joke of the night was when she said “I got it a little” in reference to the “condition” of which Stella was allegedly suffering.
The time shifting. Something the show does so well is play with chronology. This was done to great comedic effect in episodes like Brunch and The Platinum Rule. Tonight didn’t disappoint when Barney turned out to be the one yelling at Abby and the book Ted thought was Stella’s turned out to be the one Marshall left at her office.
My favorite thing of the night had to be the return of Romantic Ted. The Ted that never gives up when he’s smitten. The Ted that goes to great lengths to try and win the one he loves. Marshall’s stern talk last week must have kicked in because between his self-confessed complexity that requires repeated listens to his adorable two minute date replete with Ranjit and Wendy the Waitress, the Ted we knew and loved in season one is back. The Mix, I’m sure you’re excited to see him return.
What Was Bad
The worst was probably Britney. That’s saying something for the episode because she wasn’t terrible. She rushed through most of her lines and delivered them kind of flat—just like someone who isn’t a trained actor would. She’s no Jack McBrayer, that’s for sure. The rest of the cast is so comfortable in their characters and Sarah Chalke is so wonderful, that it is extra difficult to standout as a guest star. Do I think we’ll see Britney again? No, I don’t.
Maybe it was just me but I also thought the bit where Ted tried to cover up for not knowing who Abby was seemed a little dry and forced. The whole “I thought you said Alan”, “You said Abby”, “I thought I said Alan” bit didn’t do it for me.
Marshall’s hair. While it’s awful, I’m not sure that it doesn’t actually add something to the show if not only a reason to make fun of him even more.
Favorite Moments
Everyone had good lines tonight. It was only Lily that got shortchanged, and on her birthday nonetheless.
- “I thought it’d be cool to get a caterpillar tattoo then a couple weeks later…”
- “Do you know what you’re going to want to eat ten weeks from now?”
“A sloppy joe, shrimp cocktail, and a milkshake” - “I’m not some top 40 song, easily digestible. I require time, and multiple listens. I’m Stairway to Heaven”
- “Wow, Roger Daltry just rolled over in his grave. That’s not the right guy is it? He’s not even dead is he?” [Editor's Note: thanks Daphne]
- Barney getting defensive of magic and the subsequent punishment for sparking a fireball in the bar, with appearance by Wendy the Waitress.
- “It can’t be easy to woo someone while sticking your naked butt in their face.”
“It works for Baboons. It’s called ‘presenting’” - Robin, releasing her inner dude: “It’s time to nail the receptionist”
- The fact that Ted stamps his books “From the personal library of Ted Mosby”
- “Ted, every little boy wants to grow up to nail the doctor or the lawyer, but someone has to nail the receptionist.” <– that’s quality writing
- “Nice mustache Ted. Doctor, Magnum’s here to see you.”
- Fun trivia: In the end, when Stella tells Ted to come back if he wakes up with “a dolphin tattoo on your ankle”—Alyson Hannigan has that tattoo.
- “How would you like me to take you out to a fancy restaurant and then go on a shopping spree? Treat you the way you should be treated. I just have to swing by the hotel first. My bed was broken and I have to see if they fixed it.”
“After they fix it, can we have sex on it before we go shopping?”
Barney’s Vocab Word of the Week
It would appear to be Folliculaphilia, which as far as I can tell, isn’t a real word at all. This imaginary condition, from which Robin also suffers, gives the women it infects an inability to date a man that doesn’t have a mustache. There is a Phalacrophobia, which is a fear of baldness, maybe that’s what he meant. [Editor's note: thanks meghana]
Closing
I leave you with two questions. First—that two-minute date at the end, adorable or lame? I want to hear from the guys and the gals. Second, has anyone seen Plan 9 from Outer Space or Manos The Hand of Fate? Which is worse?
PS. Did everyone catch the reference Stella made to going to a St. Patrick’s Day party but leaving early? What might this portend for the future? Her daughter Lucy = Luke + Leia?
PPS. For those of you into that sort of thing, Stella’s three friends (Kourtney, Gloria, and Brenda) were played by Christine Joaquin, Ria Pavia, and Caroline Whitney Smith respectively.
PPPS. Extra kudos to the show for shooting the entire two minute date in one long cut. That was a nice technical achievement and makes Radnor’s and Chalke’s work even more impressive. The song playing in that section is “Thirteen” by Big Star. Check it out on iTunes here. There’s also a Wilco version here. [Thanks meghana]
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Daphne | March 25, 2008 @ 2:36 am
Roger DALTRY. She was confusing the frontman for The Who, with Robert Plant, the frontman for Led Zeppelin.
Plan 9 is a cult classic, but personally bores me to tears.
Loved the “St Paddy’s Day party” reference, that was definitely put in their as a clue or a to throw us off;)
2 Minute date=adorable.
Thanks for being as obsessed with the show as I am.
~D
Shashwat | March 25, 2008 @ 4:36 am
let me be honest
why do i desire Ted & Robin to be together again
great research on the blog btw
Wingman | March 25, 2008 @ 5:24 am
The two-minute date is classic romantic Ted in action. I’m glad they had Ranjit back as the cab driver.
john d'arc | March 25, 2008 @ 5:34 am
it was falicafilia, which sounded real enough. philia of any kind is a love of something.
Was it just me, or was Robin SMOKIN in this episode. Lily has her best hair style back, Robin got hotter with every scene (feathered hair and less clothes each scene), and Wendy the Waitress was also really cute in her few scenes. This episode was just firing on all cylinders this week, hot-wise (barring Britney, who wasn’t terrible looking) and comedy wise. It was sweet. Ted makes us men look bad. But yeah, that Robin thing totally had to be some sort of storyline they’ll go back to.
dug the throwback to St. Patty’s. dug everyone helping out Ted on his date (Ranjit and Wendy, and some dude waiter and someone at a tv store). dug the nods to Plan 9 and Manos, two of the worse movies of all time. though it’s Manos The Hand of Fate, not Manos hand of fate.
john d'arc | March 25, 2008 @ 5:41 am
also, I dug Barney’s magic. But since when were people so bothered by it? He used it near Marshall before, and he didn’t seem to mind.
And the TVSquad review is harsh for this ep, but I dug it.
Chrissy | March 25, 2008 @ 8:46 am
I’ve just been able to see some outtakes of last night’s episode. I hope I can catch the whole episode online real soon. All the Britney scenes are really annoying… I didn’t like her as Abby at all. Sarah was brilliant. I wish she would come back for a few more episodes.
meghana | March 25, 2008 @ 8:53 am
I think it’s “folliculaphilia” - follicle phillia.
I LOVED this episode. How could anyone think the two-minute date was cheesy? It was perfect, over-the-top Ted. I’m so glad he’s back.
Jack | March 25, 2008 @ 9:27 am
1. Britney
She was fine and didn’t ruin the episode at all. I think people really need to get over it because it wasn’t a big deal at all that she was in this episode.
2. The St. Patty’s Day Reference
In my opinion, it was lame. The reference was too painfully obvious- they used to be a bit more clever with these types of things. It was definitely in there to trick people.
3. Is Stella the mother? No.
At the end of the St. Patty’s day episode, future Ted says something along the lines of “I found out years later that your mom was at that party- I just didn’t meet her. And, its a good thing that I didn’t because I don’t think she would have liked me.”
According to the whole timeline of events, St. Patty’s day occurred during (and towards the end of) Ted’s tattoo removal sessions. At this point, he definitely had met Stella (and was, in fact, head over heels for her and was trying desperately to get a date with her).
Tom G, ballssticksstuff.com | March 25, 2008 @ 9:27 am
I forget, did Barney, in a past episode, ever really bet Ted that he could get him to grow a mustache?
me123 | March 25, 2008 @ 9:28 am
i didnt like it- dont hate me. i love love love the show but this episode was boring…
2 minute date..lame! it would have been better if we had seen ted planning the whole thing- the guys mocking it a little- but just like that!?
is was cheesy-unreal-mediocre sitcom. this could have just been any other show..it just wasnt signature HIMYM. not new..different..innovative..like the show usually is.
But if it brings in the crowds…
Jack | March 25, 2008 @ 9:30 am
I forgot to leave my overall impressions!
I love the episode- it reminds me of when Ted was trying to find his future wife and was crazy for Robin. This is the type of episode that got me hooked in the first place!
JD | March 25, 2008 @ 9:37 am
First, thanks to everyone for correcting all my spelling and cultural errors. The post has been updated accordingly. I’ve also added a lot more screenshots and a youtube video.
@Jack, I’m not sure we can guarantee the time line of the show. I think it could still be Stella’s umbrella.
Robin did look super hot last night. They’ve had her in a lot more sleeveless shirts the past couple weeks and it’s a good look for her.
AF | March 25, 2008 @ 11:23 am
Robin was indeed totally hot last night. And she was snarky which is always fun.
The 2 minute date was adorable and definitely something classic, romantic Ted would come up with.
Britney wasn’t as bad as I thought she might be. I did get a kick out of her conversation with Barney at the end of the episode. That was like a Barney dream come true.
toomuchfreetime | March 25, 2008 @ 11:35 am
I loved the episode. Marshal’s book and Barney’s call are exactly the little details that make this show so good. Hopefully, with such a good episode the viewers who tuned in just for Britney will stay.
I think the 2 minute date was legendary. Well played Mr. Mosby.
As far as the Stella being the mother, she cannot, not because of the St. Patty day thing (Ted just might not have seen her there), but assuming that the 2 kids he is talking to in 2030 are Ted’s only kids (debatable), Stella’s daughter would be too old (28 or so in 2030) and to much older than her brother (I see the kids on the coach as teenager’s only a year or two apart).
AF | March 25, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
One correction…the quote is “Do you know what you’re going to want to eat 10 weeks from now?”
Not 10 Days.
JD | March 25, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Thanks AF! Fixed. I have to stop writing these at midnight. Or take better notes.
Eric J | March 25, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Can anyone transcribe the little throw-away exchange between Barney and Robin about whether her “No” will turn into a “Yes”? I feel like I had my pet theory both confirmed and stepped on, and I’m not sure which is true.
Viridis | March 25, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
What is with Barney and the number 83? He said that women decided whether they were going to sleep with a person 8.3 minutes after they meet, and in a previous episode (I think Brunch) Ted commented that whenever Barney comes up with a statistic he uses 83% (which goes counter to Mary the Paralegal, but whatever).
me123 | March 25, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
What is with Barney and the number 83?
I KNOWWWW..love it I dont know if it means anything but they are consistent about it.
Fun Fact: Did you know the great Dude Shortage was in 1883!?
(No Tomorrow)
shamo | March 25, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
wht was the title of the song played during the 2 minutes dating between Ted and Stella?such a lovely song..
meghana | March 25, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Big Star - Thirteen. Though I forget, it might be the Wilco cover.
Jake | March 25, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I liked the episode, but it was not the strongest; especially for the new viewers that tuned in just for Brittany. The flow of the episode didn’t really work as well as in the past, and Brittany’s character was totally unnecessary to the plot. Why would Ted need to go through the assistant to woo the doctor? As for the ending… I liked it, and I liked seeing old Ted, but knowing that we’d never see this character again, it seemed pointless. Sweet… but pointless. I sure wish Silverstone hadn’t opted out. I did love Sarah Chalke though!
shamo | March 25, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
tanx a lot meghana..i just heard it from youtube..i can listen to this song over n over again..yeah..(:
JD | March 25, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
I updated the post with links to both the Big Star and Wilco versions of the song. Big Star did it first. Wilco did a cover of the song on a Big Star tribute album. I love both versions.
Geri | March 25, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
First off I have to say to the creator of this site: I LOVE YOU!!!!
I’m fairly new here and this is my first post, but a great discussion to be in on. I apologize if this is long. Just chastise me if you prefer shorter posts and I will remember for next time.
I thought the episode was ok, but was lacking a little something. That something - for me anyway - came at the end of the episode in the form of Ted and Stella’s 2 minute date.
I love that old Ted and it’s part of what made me fall in love with the show and the character in the first place (though Jason Segel rules my world!)
I really don’t think there were any clues in this episode as to who the mother is. I think the St. Patty’s reference by Stella was just a convenient way of keeping the time line of the show since the first episode back since the strike was the St. Patty’s episode. Also a convenient way of her explaining why her daughter is her first priority.
Britney really didn’t make much of an impression on me. I think she relied a little too much on the big doe eyed look and not enough on any acting abilities she may have. Really, what’s she acted in besides the Mickey Mouse Club and that one movie she did? I do give major kudos to the makeup and wardrobe team though, for making her look presentable and somewhat classy. I think that’s the best Brit’s looked in a long time.
Remind me since I have a short memory - but did Ted actually find his phone at the club when he went back to look for it at the end of the St. Patty’s episode? I know he left with the yellow umbrella, but I can’t remember if he found his phone. If he didn’t - well then wouldn’t that be the obvious link to the mom?
I really hope this show doesn’t get the axe like it’s rumored to. If they try to cancel it - I think we should all band together like the Jericoh (sp?) fans did and instead of sending crates of peanuts to the network - we should send them tons of yellow umbrellas!
me123 | March 25, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
@Geri
there is a site called savehimym dot com
they want to print postcards..theres a link there where you can e-mail cbs
HIMYM needs to be saved!
even if i didnt really like the episode (s.a.) i still love the show
Jamiesen | March 25, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
I really liked the episode. It was a great step foreword for How I Met and is bringing us back to the gold old days of the show, aka Romantic Ted. Outlaw Ted sucks, I haven’t liked his character all season and have disparately been missing the Ted we know from season 1 and 2. Britt was no big deal, she had a small role and while a little forced, it wasn’t that bad for a celeb gimmick. In fact as small as her appearance was, it no doubt increased viewing and could be the save How I Met needs to get renewed.
The best part of the episode though was how it was the show’s attempt of explaining the writer’s strike gap. Ted’s “date” with Stella at the movies was the same date in “The Platinum Rule”. His ten sessions continue and ultimately brings us to today, a week after St. Patrick’s Day. Although technically this is flawed because there was a more than 10 week gap, but since its TV, it slides. I think the ten sessions was a great way to help us catch up with what went on during the strike. How I Met’s attention to detail and continuity is one of the show’s strongest points and they showed it again in full stride by facing the missing weeks head on.
Marcy | March 25, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
I think the epsiode was really nice. Agreed, it was not the best episode of the show, but still good. I loved the 2- minutes- date, it was soooo sweet and definately brought back romatic- Ted from season one.
Sarah Chalke was adorable as Stella and I do hope she will come back for some more episodes (as the mother or not). Personally, I´m quite happy she got the part inseat of Alicia Silverstone (and yes, you are allowed to hate me for that comment ;p).
Britney was far from being good, but also far from being really bad. She was just, well, there. So, no real harm was done (in my opinion). I still loved that last scene she had with Barney (”I like you!” So fantastic!).
The Barney/ Robin allusion (no matter what it actually meant) was great, but I was kind of surprised Ted and the others didn´t say anything. I mean, I expected to at least see Ted shot the two a glace saying “Heh? Ok, what ever”.
I also expected something more of the “Lily stopped biting her nails”- situation, apart from the fact that the idea seemed to come out of nowhere (we have never seen Lily biting her nails before).
Oh, and there´s another thing that keeps popping up in my head. Something from last episode. We know that L.A.M.E´s apartament is a) crocked and b) in a horrible area. Both facts seemed to have been perfectly hidden from our favourite newlyweds. Looking at the fact that Marshall is a lawyer (and a very good one as it seems), it seems kind of strange that he didn´t do anything to get out of the contract or at least to get the apartament for a smaller price. But that´s just a random post episoe though
JD | March 25, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Ratings are up: http://tvdecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/how-i-the-viewer-met-britney-spears/#comment-15986
I’ll post more on this later.
@Geri Check out this page for ways to support the show:
http://have-you-met-ted.com/2008/show-cbs-your-support-for-how-i-met-your-mother/
Geri | March 25, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
Thanks JD! I already went to the link me123 suggested and emailed cbs letting them know I support not canceling the show. I will check your link out as well.
Marcy - I did notice one thing about the Lilly not biting her nails story line. During one of the pub scenes after she’d shown the rest of the gang how long her nails had gotten, she had her hand up the back of Marshall’s shirt and was scratching his back in a playful way. I’m actually surprised they didn’t give Marshall a line having to do with that - but obviously the writers were focused on the Ted/Stella story line.
me123 | March 25, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
did you see those red claws!? i feel a follow-up..
Katie | March 25, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
plan 9 from outer space is deffinetly the worse of the two.
and i pretty much loved this episode.
the two minute date was adorable.
natalie | March 25, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
loved the episode!
2 minute date= very cute!
cashewdani | March 25, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
The dolphin tattoo was also worn by Joan of Arc in Clone High, which has some similar producers/writers with HIMYM.
And I also loved the 2 minute date, haha.
cherries | March 25, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
Britney did a pretty good job. No worse, no better than last week’s guest star, Vanessa Minnillo right who whispered her way through the whole episode. Neither are ”
And mission accomplished. A Million more viewers than usual I hear, and the highest rated episode of HIMYM to date.
I LOVED the 2 minute date. Romantic Ted is my favorite. I’m so happy there are new episodes again!
Andy | March 26, 2008 @ 1:54 am
Robin’s been funny, but SHE NEEDS SOMETHING TO DO. She’s part of this show too, and right now she’s just a backdrop. Give her a guy, give her a Barney plot, give her a Ted plot, give her SOMETHING.
This episode was alright, but uneven, as I thought last week’s was. But the show seems on its way back to its stride.
Jez | March 26, 2008 @ 5:44 am
This was my favourite episode of the series…
Big call i know….but i just absolutely fell in love with stella…its a pity that she will only be around for this one episode….but hopefully she comes back!
i personally couldnt see alicia silverstone doing as awesome a job that sarah did…go ahead hate me JD….but i personally cant see why she chose to withdraw given how tiny a role ms. spears had. oh well….such is life as they say…
having said that., this show got a mention on aussie breakfast tv this morning., which is a big deal given that this show isnt very popular in australia…
i guess we got enough hints during this episode that robin and the barnacle will be an item…robin was much to subdued in this episode…the only other episode i can remember her being this subdued was 2X20..just after she and ted broke up..
to summarize,. one of my favourite episodes….sarah rocked it,britney was a waste of space.., and robin and barney will hook up!
john d'arc | March 26, 2008 @ 7:00 am
I’m rewatching Platinum Rule just to see if outfits match up. They’re usually really good about that sort of thing.
God, this episode made me really like Charlene Amoia as Wendy The Waitress-Stinson.
john d'arc | March 26, 2008 @ 7:02 am
one weird thing. Ted should have been super, super late for his “date” if he gave Barney all that time to talk.
JD | March 26, 2008 @ 9:35 am
@john Maybe that’s why he insisted on paying!
Ranier | March 26, 2008 @ 11:19 am
wow, 40 posts JD! that’s a record right? xD congrats.
Britney was ok, she was ok, she was fine, she make me laugh, and the last part with Ted was hilarious. Besides, 3 million viewers more is a big thing for the show. ‘Come for Britney, stay for the show’, we’ll see next week.
I loved the 2 minute date, romantic Ted is back! i think the part ‘I left early this St. Patrick day’ was in the orginal script for Alicia, but i might be wrong. I would love to see Sarah Chalke again, i think all of us want her back.
Robin and Barney, there’s something they are not telling us! I think a big plot is coming for Robin.
fuck the umbrellas, if CBS cancel HIMYM, we’ll trow pineaples to the executives! xD
great episode
john d'arc | March 26, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
apparently, the original storyline called for Stella’s friends to put Ted through the ringer. I really think this ep was seamless, and much better than No Tomorrow. Not sure how the writers were able to pull off the strike changes, but they did it.
john d'arc | March 26, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
and the plan is to send Sparklers to CBS.
Ranier | March 26, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
@john
sparkles? really?
I think throwing pineapples will make the diference jaja
We can send/trow (whatever yo prefer, throwing is so much fun xD) pineapples, sparkles, umbrellas, lemons, blue french horns (aka smurf penis), ’sandwiches’ and only for the most adventurous, we can slap the executives of CBS!
well, that’s kinda ilegal but desperate times requieres desperate measures, right? xD
Lynn | March 26, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
loved this episode! the return of Romantic Ted made me sooo incredibly happy, its the main reason why hes so awesome. I thought the two min date was great! it was classic Ted!
I’ve seen Manos and the Hands of Fate, but only the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 version… lol so it was very entertaining watching while its being made fun of.
I cant wait for more episodes!
JD | March 26, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
@Ranier Even better: get a huge group of guys to rain dance outside the CBS offices
AF | March 26, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
I would love to see a bunch of HIMYM fans doing a rain dance. That would be brilliant.
So, I’ve watched this episode about three times now and I’m still enjoying it.
My boyfriend pointed out that Britney’s acting was no different from how she actually talks in real life. Apparently, there was a video KFed posted on youtube that displays this point.
The “Magnum” line totally cracks me up.
CJ | March 26, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
RE: Barney and the number 83:
Ted, if you’re going to go for the Belt, then the bylaws require me to ask the following questions: 1. Is the aggregate age of all participants under 83?
Ranier | March 26, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
@JD: haha great idea! and if’s not raining, can we throw them water? I’m really looking foward to some good and violent action xD i know! in honor to Nathalie, we can practice Krav Maga with the executives! xD
@CJ: yes, Barney kinda has a fetiche for that number…there’s got to be some reason xD
btw, again the same shirt that Ted used in 3.12 and 3.01 xD
The Mix | March 26, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
I’m going to save the bulk of my comments on this particular show for the comparison, but I felt compelled to bring up the following quote:
“I’m not some top 40 song, easily digestible. I require time, and multiple listens. I’m Stairway to Heaven” - Ted Mosby
I was waiting eagerly for Ted to finish this quote, as there is a pause in between “listens” and the listing of the song. I was waiting for a different song. The end of this quote is supremely duplicitous. I both love and hate it as a music major and lover of music in general.
Does “Stairway” require time and a long period of gestation within one’s brain and heart? Of course.
However, “Stairway” also happens to be the penultimate Top 40 song. It is THE most played song in the history of radio.
I know 90% of you probably don’t give a crap about that, but I had to get it out….somehow, some way.
Jason
Ranier | March 26, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
@the Mix
well, about the song, i think that line was build off just so Robin could make a foul of herself, and she did, so they didn’t care a lot about the song.
The Mix | March 26, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Ohh I think they knew….anyone that’s ever been in a rock band of any kind (which they have) knows that.
I’m not enraged or disgruntled or anything….just found it funny that they chose the single most played song in history as a “non Top-40″ tune.
She did, indeed make a fool of herself. I loved every single agonizing “wow, look at the Canadian make an ass of herself” moment. It was beautiful.
Jason
Geri | March 27, 2008 @ 12:09 am
I agree with Jason on the Stairway reference. Ted couldn’t have picked a more obvious song to end that quote with, however I think the point was to reference a song that the audience would easily recognize.
It’s Ted contradicting himself, which it seems is the phase he’s going through at the moment, but it made for a pretty good follow up joke.
john d'arc | March 27, 2008 @ 7:01 am
they don’t play Stairway on the radio. at least, not in its entirety. at least no radio station I’ve heard of does it.
Steve | March 27, 2008 @ 8:51 am
IT’S CALLED PRESENTING!
Liz | March 27, 2008 @ 10:09 am
Does anyone know where I can find Ted’s vintange Ohio State t-shirt that he wore on his first visit to Stella’s office??
Yostal | March 27, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
The Mix:
In re “Stairway”, you’re right, but my take was that Ted sees himself as something with staying power, something you maybe don’t immediately like, but it wins you over. “Stairway” has complexity, parts that make little sense, and depth.
Its status as “the most played song in FM radio history” also has something to do with it being “the bathroom break” for many 1970s DJs. Stairway lasts almost exactly eight minutes, and was the end of side one of ~Led Zeppelin IV~, which meant that even if the DJ didn’t make it back in eight minutes, it would not run into another song. This is the way it’s been explained to me at least.
Liz, though I am a Michigan fan, I would recommend this (http://www.championsagain.com/ProductDetail/ID=20050017_Short Sleeve Ringer T-Shirt)
which is similar, or looking at Distant Replays (they have a store in Atlanta, but a great website.) Paul Lukas’ commenters at Uniwatchblog.com may also be able to help you out as well. Hope it helps.
JD, great job as usual.
Ike | March 27, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Wow lots of comments, that’s awesome. Just watched it and that is one of the best episodes I’ve seen in a long time. I was laughing and so happy to see classic Ted back. If the show can hit another home run next week it will be spectacular. Brittney didn’t do a great job but it wasn’t horrible. And she obviously brought ratings and interest like none other. Now hopefully any first time watchers will stick around. And the 2 minute date was great, classic Ted, and romantic.
Meghana | March 27, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Congrats on so much feedback
I’ve been stalking your site for months. It’s the best HIMYM site out there, bar none.
The Mix | March 27, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Via john d’arc: “they don’t play Stairway on the radio. at least, not in its entirety. at least no radio station I’ve heard of does it.”
see below, with the add-on that when I listen to any classic rock station, I’ll generally hear it at least once if I listen for a couple hours over a few days. In fact I heard it yesterday.
Via Yostal: “Its status as “the most played song in FM radio history” also has something to do with it being “the bathroom break” for many 1970s DJs. Stairway lasts almost exactly eight minutes, and was the end of side one of ~Led Zeppelin IV~, which meant that even if the DJ didn’t make it back in eight minutes, it would not run into another song. This is the way it’s been explained to me at least.”
Indeed, it was used as a “bathroom break” song…in fact, I used it as such when I was a DJ. However, it certainly didn’t reach those heights simply because of tiny bladders. Seeing as it’s consistently listed among radio lists of greatest rock songs ever….one can safely assume that it’s also at the top for that reason as well.
Jason
toomuchfreetime | March 27, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
I loved the song joke just because they bash songs that are hits but have no staying power because they are deep at all… like umm I don’t know “Oops I did it again”, “Hit me baby one more time”, “Toxic” and basically Britney’s entire career
Ranier | March 29, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
hey there JD…what happened to this week Season vs. Season?
thanks
Jess | March 30, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
@ Steve’s It’s called presenting!!
That line made me laugh so much… and now whenever anyone mentions ‘presenting’ I think of it and laugh. Usually situations you don’t want to laugh at….
macdawson | April 1, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
This episode was legendary. For those who complain about Abby’s annoying presence, in the end she hooks up with Barney and that’s punishment enough. LOL. Stella was talked about as being The Mother and the St. Patty’s day reference could reenforce that but a couple of things tell us she is not, the most obvious being that his kids would have imediatly come forward and aknowledge her. As for the party she was in it could be any party amongst the thousand that happen in that day. As for Lucy, it has never, to my knowledge, been stated anywhere that Ted doesn’t have more kids, in this case a step-daughter. We’ve only seen the 2 but since Lucy is 8 in 2008 she will be 30 by the time Ted is telling his tale, she would have probably moved out of her parents house. But, has stated above, i doubt, although with a sadned heart, that Stella is the Mother.
NV | April 6, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
Liked this episode alot.
I thought the two-minute date was adorable (guy here, sadly). And, I agree, the beauty of it was the long-cut of it happening in one go. It would’ve fallen completely flat had there been cuts in between. With the long-cut, you see the quickness of the date happening in front of your eyes, and thus appreciate it more.
Neil Patrick Harris on Stunt Casting | be awesome instead | April 10, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
[...] by the way, I didn’t think Britney was bad in “ten sessions“, I just felt that Sara Chalke was amazing (as always, yea Scrubs!) Read, enjoy, be awesome. [...]